Transatlantic Academic Security and Risk Mitigation Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 7616
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7616ChinaCongressional oversight
Transatlantic Academic Security and Risk Mitigation Act
INTRO FEB 20· LAST ACTION MAR 26
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it addresses concerns about foreign influence and potential national security risks stemming from international academic and research collaborations. In an increasingly interconnected world, the sharing of sensitive research, technology, and data can have significant implications for a nation's competitive edge and security.
If this bill becomes law, it means the U.S. government will actively work to understand and mitigate potential vulnerabilities that could arise from partnerships between European academic bodies and certain Chinese organizations. This could impact everything from scientific research integrity to geopolitical alliances. If it doesn't become law, the U.S. would continue its current approach, potentially without a centralized, mandated strategy to address these specific types of transatlantic academic risks.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs to develop and submit a strategy within 180 days of enactment.
This sets a clear, time-bound mandate for the State Department to create a plan addressing specific foreign policy and security concerns.
PROVISION 02
The strategy must identify, evaluate, and mitigate risky academic, financial, research, governance, programmatic, or data-sharing relationships between European institutions and specific 'covered entities of concern'.
This provision defines the core purpose of the strategy: to address potentially problematic connections that could undermine U.S. interests.
PROVISION 03
The strategy must include an assessment of the scale and activities of 'covered entities of concern' in Europe and an evaluation of the risks they pose to the U.S. and its allies.
This ensures the U.S. gains a comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape before formulating mitigation efforts.
PROVISION 04
The bill broadly defines 'covered entities of concern' to include Chinese entities involved in military-civil fusion, the defense industry, security/intelligence organizations, human rights abuses (e.g., Uyghurs), foreign talent recruitment programs, or malign influence activities.
This extensive definition clarifies which types of Chinese organizations the U.S. government views as potential risks in these international collaborations.
PROVISION 05
The strategy must recommend U.S. diplomatic engagement with European governments and institutions to mitigate associated risks.
This highlights the diplomatic approach to resolving these issues, emphasizing collaboration with allies rather than unilateral action.
Voters should care about this bill because it addresses concerns about foreign influence and potential national security risks stemming from international academic and research collaborations. In an increasingly interconnected world, the sharing of sensitive research, technology, and data can have significant implications for a nation's competitive edge and security.
If this bill becomes law, it means the U.S. government will actively work to understand and mitigate potential vulnerabilities that could arise from partnerships between European academic bodies and certain Chinese organizations. This could impact everything from scientific research integrity to geopolitical alliances. If it doesn't become law, the U.S. would continue its current approach, potentially without a centralized, mandated strategy to address these specific types of transatlantic academic risks.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs to develop and submit a strategy within 180 days of enactment.
This sets a clear, time-bound mandate for the State Department to create a plan addressing specific foreign policy and security concerns.
high
The strategy must identify, evaluate, and mitigate risky academic, financial, research, governance, programmatic, or data-sharing relationships between European institutions and specific 'covered entities of concern'.
This provision defines the core purpose of the strategy: to address potentially problematic connections that could undermine U.S. interests.
med
The strategy must include an assessment of the scale and activities of 'covered entities of concern' in Europe and an evaluation of the risks they pose to the U.S. and its allies.
This ensures the U.S. gains a comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape before formulating mitigation efforts.
high
The bill broadly defines 'covered entities of concern' to include Chinese entities involved in military-civil fusion, the defense industry, security/intelligence organizations, human rights abuses (e.g., Uyghurs), foreign talent recruitment programs, or malign influence activities.
This extensive definition clarifies which types of Chinese organizations the U.S. government views as potential risks in these international collaborations.
med
The strategy must recommend U.S. diplomatic engagement with European governments and institutions to mitigate associated risks.
This highlights the diplomatic approach to resolving these issues, emphasizing collaboration with allies rather than unilateral action.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs must submit the strategy and provide a briefing to appropriate congressional committees.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
A high-ranking official within the U.S. Department of State responsible for managing diplomatic relations, often considered the third-highest ranking officer.
Appropriate congressional committees
Specific committees in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate responsible for overseeing foreign policy, in this case, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Covered European institution
A university or research center located in Europe.
Covered entity of concern
A specified organization from the People's Republic of China, broadly defined to include those involved in military-related activities, certain talent recruitment programs, human rights abuses, or efforts to influence foreign institutions.
Military-civil fusion
A national strategy by the People's Republic of China to integrate its commercial and academic sectors with its military, aiming to advance military modernization.
Foreign talent recruitment program
Efforts by foreign governments, particularly China, to recruit scientists and researchers, often offering incentives for them to transfer knowledge or technology.
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
MAR 26
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
COMMITTEE
MAR 26
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 19.
COMMITTEE
FEB 20
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 20
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Activities by foreign governments or their proxies that are subversive, undeclared, coercive, or criminal, intended to manipulate information or influence academic, political, or civic institutions.
